Overview

The groundbreaking A Better Los Angeles (ABLA) project was set up in 2002 by leaders of the community from schools, law enforcement, social-service agencies and faith-based agencies to work with disengaged young people, with a prime objective of reducing gang violence in that community.

The Challenge

The enormity of its task cannot be overstated. California has about 85,000 gang members and over 600 gang-related murders a year. Many millions are spent every year on prison custody for gang-based offenders.

The TPI Intervention

A variant of The Pacific Institute®’s Investment in Excellence® program known as Imagine 21®.
Key people from The LA Department of Family Service, the LA Police Department and former gang members and local leaders were trained to facilitate the programs.

Key Results

500 people in gang affected communities experienced the curriculum between 2002 and 2004.
Subsequent facilitator training has seen the programs rolled out to thousands more.
Communities formed partnerships with key stakeholder groups to provide activities in arts, counselling, vocational training and other specialized programs.
Street violence has decreased significantly in some areas and community involvement has increased exponentially.
Areas that were “no go” zones previously are now more accessible.